CINCINNATI (WXIX) – Legendary Archbishop Moeller High School football coach Gerry Faust, who also coached at the University of Notre Dame, died Monday at the age of 89, his family announced.

“It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of Gerry Faust, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and coach who dedicated his life to his family, his faith and the teams and players he trained,” his family said in a statement.

“Throughout an extraordinary life, driven by a deep and unwavering dedication to his Catholic faith, he was a beloved mentor to countless young men, on and off the playing field. His work ethic, optimism, leadership and humility were legendary. He leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, compassion and inspiration, reminding us all of the extraordinary impact one life can have.

“While most knew him as a coach, we will long remember him as a wonderful father and grandfather who inspired us by example to live our best lives.”

Moeller released a statement describing Faust as “a legendary leader whose faith, work ethic and dedication to his players and the school led to championships on the field while inspiring young men to succeed.”

“Coach Faust embodied everything it means to be a Moeller man,” said Carl Kremer, Moeller interim president. “He inspired his players to become men of faith and character who sought academic excellence and pushed each other to succeed. He believed in this brotherhood and he defined it in his way of living.

As head coach of the Crusaders for nearly two decades, Faust compiled an extraordinary record of 178-23-2, including 12 Great Catholic League (GCL) championships, five Ohio State championships and four national titles in his last six years as coach.

“Moeller is a special place,” Faust told FOX19 NOW media partner The Cincinnati Enquirer in 2021. “It’s family. I’ve always told coaches that wins on the scoreboard keep them employed, but the wins in the hearts of the young men you coach to become winners in life are the real wins. Boy, we had a lot of real victories.

Former players speak with reverence and respect about “Fuzzy,” as he was affectionately called, according to Moeller’s statement.

“Coach Faust treated everyone with respect, from the lowest man on the team to the best booster and best player,” said Steve Sylvester, a 1971 Moeller graduate who later played for Notre Dame and spent nine years in the NFL with the Oakland. The looters.

“His unparalleled energy, deep Catholic faith, love for family, daily work ethic and incredible optimism tell the story of a unique and incredible man. His shattered lifelong dream as Notre Dame’s coach taught all who knew him how to handle personal adversity with class, courage and resilience. He taught us so much, beyond just being a footballer. »

Mike Suter, captain of the 1979 Crusaders, described Faust as a “larger-than-life character, a big personality who filled a room.”

Suter’s uncle, the late Phil Gigliotti, coached alongside Faust at Moeller, and Suter grew up admiring him. “I attended Coach Faust’s summer camps when I was a kid and looked forward to playing for him.”

Under Faust, team captains accompanied him before games on a pilgrimage to Mt. Adams, where they prayed the rosary on the steps leading to the Church of the Immaculate. “He would pile us into his little car, stop at Wendy’s, treat us to dinner, then take us to the steps to pray,” Suter recalled. “He would say, ‘You are the leaders of this team and we are going to pray the rosary together.’ I still pray the Good Friday marches and I still think of Gerry Faust.

Barrett Cohen, Moeller’s director of community engagement, said Coach Faust’s legacy will live on. “Many still associate Coach Faust with Moeller football and the school itself. His impact on Moeller is deep, lasting and will continue. People like Gerry Faust are never forgotten.

After his historic success at Moeller, Faust was hired in 1980 to coach the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, where he went 30-26-1 over five seasons, including a victory in the Liberty Bowl in 1983 and an appearance in the Aloha Bowl in 1984.

Even though his college coaching career didn’t live up to his success at Moeller, Faust remained gracious and positive. “He didn’t blame anyone, he never disparaged Notre Dame,” Sylvester said. “And even though his record might not have been the best, the fans still loved him. That shows the kind of person he was.

Suter recounted Faust’s generosity, even toward players from rival teams. “One day he arranged for a young man from Elder High School to ride to Akron,” Suter said. “He was so genuine and selfless that he would do anything for you.”

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